Samuel B Fernandes

Samuel B Fernandes is an Assistant Professor of Agricultural Statistics and Quantitative Genetics at the University of Arkansas, affiliated with Bumpers College's Crop, Soil, and Environmental Sciences department. He serves as Director of the Experiment Station (DREX) and oversees the Center for Agricultural Data Analytics (CADA). His research focuses on integrating statistical methodologies with genetic and environmental data to improve crop resilience, particularly in rice, soybean, and bioenergy crops. Key areas include herbicide tolerance mechanisms, cover crop impacts on weed management, and genomic selection strategies for climate-resilient varieties. Fernandes leads the Agricultural Statistic Laboratory, emphasizing data-driven approaches to address agricultural challenges such as nighttime temperature stress and disease resistance. His work bridges computational tools like machine learning with traditional plant breeding, contributing to sustainable agricultural practices.

Research interests emphasize statistical genetics, crop-weed interactions, and precision agriculture. He collaborates on projects involving genomic prediction models, hyperspectral trait analysis, and antimicrobial food safety protocols. Fernandes' interdisciplinary approach spans plant physiology, soil science, and computational biology, with applications to both row crops and emerging bioenergy systems.

Advising and grant activities involve mentoring students through the Agricultural Statistic Laboratory and securing funding for large-scale field trials and genomic studies. His lab serves as a hub for innovative solutions to global agricultural challenges, including climate adaptation and food security.